NW suburban family calendar

Events specifically for children or teens as well as those for, including classes, park and library programs, music, dances, family fitness events, battles of the bands. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.

Kingswood Preschool registration: Kingswood Preschool registration for the 2010-2011 school year is now open. For information about the program, current tuition prices or to schedule a personal tour, contact Laura Kpoka, (847) 398-0770, ext. 24 or kingswoodpreschool@comcast.net. Visit kingswoodpreschool.com.

Preschool registration: Noah's Ark Christian Preschool and Kindergarten has begun registration for the 2010-2011 school year. Classes are offered for children ages 2 through kindergarten. Hours are from 9-11:30 a.m., with extended day options available. To schedule a tour of Noah's Ark, located at 98 Algonquin Road, call (847) 844-3738. www.barringtonumc.com.

Palatine Parks: The Palatine Park District is now taking registration for a variety of winter programs at the new Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road. Winter programs include classes for children and adults, fitness, dance and athletics. For information, visit palatineparks.org/falconprograms.html.

Creative Kids Preschool: Registration is being accepted for the 2010-2011 school year at the Prospect Heights Park District Creative Kids Preschool. Ages 21/2-4 welcome. For information, (847) 394-2848, ext. 12.

Bartlett Woman's Club scholarships: The Bartlett Woman's Club is again offering its yearly college scholarship to a high school senior, who resides in Bartlett. Applications are available at the Guidance office of Bartlett, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin and Larkin high schools. All other high school seniors need to call Ruth Beckner at (630) 837-8125 for an application. Applications are due April 1.

Garden Club of Inverness scholarships: The Garden Club of Inverness is accepting applications for scholarship. Students who live in the areas served by School District 211 and Barrington High School, and who major in horticulture or environmental related studies in college are invited to apply. Applicants can be college freshman to seniors or graduate students. Scholarships of $1,000 of more are awarded each year determined by the available funds. Application can be obtained by visiting the guidance offices at the high schools in District 211 and Barrington High School or by contacting Marilyn Dutcher, mkdutcher@comcast.net.

Before and After School Club: Before School Club begins at 6:30 a.m.; After School Club ends at 6:30 p.m., Hanover Park Park District. Activities, arts and crafts, sports, outside and homework time. For information and pricing, call (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.

Make Room for More Kids Stuff Garage Sale: Tables and space are still available for the Make Room for More Kids Stuff Garage Sale scheduled for Saturday, March 6, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. This indoor sale offers the opportunity to make money while spring cleaning. Tables and space are provided in the CRC gym. Limit of two tables per family. Only children's items may be sold. Cost for one table is $8 for residents and $12 for nonresidents. Cost for two tables is $16/$24. Call (847) 490-7020 for information.

Feb. 15School's Out! Come and Play: Friday, Feb. 15, Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. Games and structured outdoor learning activities for children ages 6-12. Come dressed for the outdoors and bring a lunch. $30-$45. Extended care is available from 7-9 a.m. and 305 p.m. for an additional fee. For information, (847) 985-2100.Family Indoor Camp In: 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19-7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Games, activities, open play time, quiet hours. Must bring your own sleeping bags and tents to set up in the gym. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 15. $40 per family of four; $60 nonresident families. Additional family members $10. To register, (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.The Great Tooth Fairy Caper: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades K-three find out what really happens to the teeth they loose. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.President's Day rolling skating party: Children and their parents can help preserve the 1896 Central School and support the Mount Prospect Historical Society, at a roller skating party from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 at the Central Community Center, 1000 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. Admission: $5 per person. Bring your own skates, or a limited number of rental skates will be available for an added $5. Kiddie Karnival: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Prospect Heights Park District, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road. New games, cool prizes and food and snacks available. Call (847) 394-2848 or prospectheightsparkdistrict.org. Krusin' Kids Trip: 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15, bus departs from the Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines, for a trip to Rinkside Sports. $34-$43. Information packets available at the Leisure Center. Bus returns at 5 p.m. For details, call (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. Leisure Lizards Day: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Gym sports and games, bingo, baggo, arts and crafts, game room. $23-$29. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. NIU open house: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Holmes Student Center, at Lucinda Ave., and Normal Road, DeKalb. Meet faculty and representatives from academic departments, admissions, student services and financial aid. Campus bus tour, residence hall visits and university information fair. (815) 753-0446 or admissions@niu.edu.Golf Extravaganza: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Hanover Park Park District Community Center Gym. Field trip to the Putting Edge, for children in grades K-six, to play a round of glow in the dark mini golf and then back to the park district to create mini-golf courses to play on in the Community Center. $30-$45. Call (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.Juggler Mike Vondruska: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Juggling, comedy, unicycling and audience participation. Tickets available to district cardholders. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.Feb. 16Krusin' Kids Trip: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, bus departs from the Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines for a trip to Mayan Adventure Water Park. $34-$43. Information packets available at the Leisure Center. Bus returns at 5 p.m. For details, call (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. After School at the Branches: 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays Feb. 16 and March 16, Hoffman Estates branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library. Students ages 9-14 take part in activities for fun and friendship. Activities vary. No registration required. (847) 923-3439.Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 and 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children in grades one-eight can get help with homework from a friendly high school student. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Meet the Gamer: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Meet Steve Rehkemper of Rehco LLC. inventor of the Rubik's Revolution and the new Rubik's Touch. Registration required for this teen program; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Wolves player visit: 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Meet right wing Spencer Machacek of the Chicago Wolves, who will speak about his experiences and sign autographs. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Leisure Lizards Day: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Gym sports and games, bingo, baggo, arts and crafts, game room. $23-$29. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.Hoover School Chess Club: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Hoover School, 315 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Chess Grandmaster Yury Shulman will speak about chess as it relates to math and science skills and perform a variety of demonstrations including simultaneous play against chess club member and blindfold games. (847) 357-5800.Feb. 17Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, JCFS, 1156 W. Shure Drive, Arlington Heights. Parents support one another as they discuss the stresses and challenges involved in parenting children with special needs. Ongoing weekly group. $15 per session. Call Pamela, (224) 625-2804.Brain Balance Achievement Centers "Day of Play": 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, Nibbles Play Cafe, 13 Huntington Lane, Wheeling. Mention Brain Balance and admission is free.MaineStay Parenting Course: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 17-April 7, Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard, Park Ridge. $40 for all seven sessions of "Parenting Through Love and Logic." Scholarships available with proof of need. For information or to register, call Andy Young at (847) 297-2510, ext 273 or e-mail ayoung@maintown.com. Visit mainetownship.com.Open gym for toddlers: 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, Prospect Heights Park District, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights, Open gym for ages 0-3. Play on the equipments , burn off some energy, make new friends. (847) 394-2848 or prospectheightsparkdistrict.org.Feb. 18Healthy Snacks and Kitchen Safety: 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Kids ages 10-13 make four after school snacks while learning important safety tips for working in the kitchen. Register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.Creative Kids Preschool open house: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. See the classrooms and meet the teachers. For ages 21/2, 3-and 4-year olds. (847) 394-2848.Pasta and Pops Dinner: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Bartlett High School, 701 Schick Road. Dinner followed by a band concert featuring the music of Disney.(630) 372-4700.'Godspell': 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18-Saturday, Feb. 20, Streamwood High School, 701 W. Schaumburg Road. $8. For advance tickets, call David Hain, (630) 213-5500, ext. 4905.Feb. 19Drop in crafts: 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Drop into the library and discover a fun craft. While supplies last. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.Dad and Daughter Princess Date Night: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Entertainment, catered dinner, dancing and games for dads and their daughters ages 4-10. $28-$42 per couple. Additional daughter is $14/$16. Registration required before Friday, Feb. 19. Call (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.IPRA Teen Ski Trip: Friday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. 20, Bus departs from the Clauss Recreation Center, Roselle, for the IPRA Teen Ski Trip to Chestnut Mountain. For children ages 6-12. $60-$75 or $75-$90. For information, call the Roselle Park District at (630) 894-4200 or visit roselleparkdistrict.com. Fish dinners: 5-8 p.m. Fridays Feb. 19 and 26; March 5, 12 and 26; and April 2, American Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. Benefits Legion Family Charities. Fried fish or shrimp dinner is $8 and includes soup, fries and coleslaw, cash bar. (847) 359-1606. Friday Fish Fry: 5:30-8 p.m. Fridays during Lent, Knights of Columbus Hall, 15 N. Hickory, Arlington Heights. Fried cod, dirty rice, seasoned green beans, slaw, cornbread, fries, cash bar. $8 adults; $4 kids 12 and under. Preschoolers are free. Benefits local charities through the Knights of Columbus. (847) 255-4483.Teen Flip-Flop Workshop: 4-5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teens can bring a pair of flip-flops or two to decorate. $3 kit fee. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.orgFeb. 20Kingswood Preschool open house: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 20, Kingswood United Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. The nondenominational preschool is currently accepting registration for the 2010-2011 school year. Three-year-old classes meet 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes for 4-year-olds are held 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Call director Laura Kopka (847) 398-0770 ext. 24 or visit kingswoodpreschool.org.Thomas Middle School Invitational Chess Tournament: Saturday, Feb. 20, 1430 N. Belmont Ave., Arlington Heights. Chess tournament for middle school students from District 15, 21, 23, 25, 57, 59 and 96. $5 registration fee. For information or to register, contact Thomas chess coach Ann Wiewel at afhwiewel@yahoo.com Spring Theatre Mentoring program: Begins Sunday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, May 8, in Palatine. ArtReach Educational Theatre workshops for children and teens exposes them to the world of acting, singing and dancing as they study with professionals. Includes performance. For an instructional packet, call (847) 372-7798 or visit artreachspotlite.com. The Brothers Grimm: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. K-fifth grade can see four timeless tales performed by two actors using only a rack of costumes and a trunk of props. Modernized versions of such classics as Hansel Gretel and Snow White performed in a free, 50-minute program. Register at ahml.info or (847) 392-0100.Feb. 21Drumming circle: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. In honor of African American History Month, the Gifts of the World Store, managed by Christ Community Mennonite Church, hosts a Drumming Circle program at Led by Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski. Drums are provided and the store will be open for shopping. (847) 895-3676 or christcommunitymennonite.org.Daddy Daughter Date Night: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Open to dads, (granddads, big brothers, uncles or cousins) and their daughters ages 10 and under. Dress up to dance, enjoy refreshments, photos and entertainment. $25-$37.50 per couple. Register at (630) 894-4200. Northridge Prep Open House: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, 8320 Ballard Road, Niles. All-boys college prep school in the Catholic tradition serving grades 6-12 holds an open house for boys and their families. Tours, meet the headmaster, faculty, admission director, students, more. (847) 375-0600 or northridgeprep.org.Feb. 22Video game design workshop: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Create a simple, interactive animation program with video game designer Jon Cukjati. For grades six-12. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org. Adventure Club - Beach Fun: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Each month the Adventure Club focuses on a different topic through stories, games, crafts or snacks. Limit 30 children in kindergarten through third grade. No registration required; tickets will be given out 30 minutes before the program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 23Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children in grades one-eight can get help with homework from a friendly high school student. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.District 15 registration: 9:30-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at all District 15 schools. Kindergarten and new-student registration in Palatine Township Elementary District 15. Kindergartners entering the 2010-11 school year must be five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2010. For a list of required material to bring in order to enroll, go to ccsd15.net. Parents unsure of which school their children will attend may call (847) 963-3000.Ready for Kindergarten session: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, John Jay School, 1835 Pheasant Trail, Mount Prospect. For English speaking parents with children age birth to 5. The goal is to teach parents how to help their children be successful by the time they reach kindergarten age by setting goals for learning. Baby-sitting provided. Call Judy Webster at (847) 593-4306.Teen Decorated Pages: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teens can take an old book and make it new by cutting out pages, rearranging them, adding own content and more. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 24Scratch Programming: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Grades 5-8 can use their Scratch programming skills to create an animated character; participants should have a working knowledge of Scratch. Bring a flash drive or plan to purchase one at the program for $8. Grades 58. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.District 59 Dual Language classroom: Registration for the 2010/11 school year begins at all District 59 elementary schools Wednesday, Feb. 24. Any district 59 family with an incoming kindergarten student interested in the Dual Language program (Spanish/English) should contact Salt Creek School, (847) 593-4375 or Alma Botana, (847) 593-4419 for information. Dual Language families are expected to make a six-year commitment to the program.Feb. 25Ready for Kindergarten session: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, John Jay School, 1835 Pheasant Trail, Mount Prospect. For Spanish speaking parents with children age birth to 5. The goal is to teach parents how to help their children be successful by the time they reach kindergarten age by setting goals for learning. Baby-sitting provided. Call Judy Webster at (847) 593-4306.After School at the Branches: 4-5 p.m. Thursdays Feb. 25 and March 18, Hanover Park branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library. Students ages 9-14 take part in activities for fun and friendship. Activities vary. No registration required. (847) 923-3439.Feb. 26Family Tropical Escape Night: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, The Water Works, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Families dress in tropical theme clothing to enjoy music, games, munchies, more. $10-$15. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.Mother Son Wacky Olympics: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, Prospect Heights Park District, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road. Moms and sons compete in fun activities, enjoy dinner, snacks and beverages. Call (847) 394-2848 or prospectheightsparkdistrict.org.Feb. 27Night of Purim activities: 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. 2010 Purim celebration includes Havdallah and Pizzathon; family abbreviated Megillah reading; Maariv and traditional Megillah reading. Bring boxes of dry pasta, rice or vitamins to be used as groggers, which will then be donated to a local food shelter. Call (847) 634-0777.Purim carnival: Olive Tree Congregation's Annual Purim Carnival Celebration begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, with the worship service, immediately followed by the carnival. Join us for in the King Ahasuerus Banquet Hall at 203 E. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. Visit the Queen Esther Hamantaschen Bakery for good eats. The Courtyard will offer games, prizes and tons of fun.Nintendo Wii Game On!: 1:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Teens can practice Guitar Hero or other Nintendo Wii games in open sessions. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.Feb. 28Purim Carnival: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Games, moonwalk, giant slide, Hamman Toss, Bozo Buckets, balloon animals, Wii sports, prizes, food, more. Game tickets 25 cents each, games range from two-five tickets. Call Aaron, (847) 634-0777, ext. 114. Wii Everyone: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Fun Wii games for the family. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org. Family Bingo Library Lingo: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Play a new twist on bingo: "Library Lingo." Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. For information or to register, call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.March 2JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons, 370 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 763-3551.March 26Indoor drive-in movie: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Ave, Palatine. You supply a cardboard box and the Palatine Park District will supply the materials for you to design a car for the drive-in movie. Car designing begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Disney movie "Cars" at 7:30 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. $10 per family. Register at (847) 991-0333.